Fast broadband a priority for homebuyers

Friday, September 28, 2012 By

Speedy internet ranked above off-street parking and local amenities

Decent broadband is now a top priority for house hunters when
choosing a home to buy.

A fast connection now beats off-street parking and access to local
amenities as one of the vital decision-making factors, according to
a survey of 1,500 homebuyers, carried out by
Broadbandchoices.co.uk and property expert Henry
Pryor.

Miles Shipside, director of property website Rightmove,
said: "In this digital age, a fast broadband connection is becoming
more and more important for home hunters.

"People don't just rely on a good internet connection for browsing
the web, but also TV, entertainment and working from home."

The survey also revealed that one in five movers would arrange a
broadband provider before connecting their gas or getting a TV
service set up. Broadband was second only to electricity on the
list of priorities when moving into a new home.

In a trial carried out by Broadbandchoices.co.uk and independent
estate agent Delaneys, broadband speeds were
included in the online listings of houses for sale. Viewing
requests for those properties showing broadband speeds were twice
as high as those without.

Rob Delaney, managing director of Delaneys, said: "As with
south-facing gardens and good schools, people are now on the hunt
for homes with fast broadband.

"It's a sign of the times, but we're still really surprised with
the results of this trial. We're now displaying broadband speeds on
all our property details going forward, as it's clear that's what
customers are looking for."

As well as making a property more attractive to buyers, the study
found that a fast and reliable internet connection can also
increase its value. One in five prospective buyers said they'd be
happy to pay more for a house with good broadband.

Dominic Baliszewski, telecoms expert at
Broadbandchoices.co.uk, added: "Broadband has become something that
people are not prepared to live without, so it's little wonder it's
now such a major factor for homebuyers.

"When it comes to buying a property it seems that it's more a case
of broadband, broadband, broadband than location, location,
location."

Have you had trouble selling a property because of poor
broadband? Have you been looking for a new home and rejected a
place you liked because of slow internet access?

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